Vision Problems Resulting from Concussion

Post-concussion Symptoms

Post-concussion symptoms include vision problems that cause difficulties with concentration, eyestrain, loss of place while reading, slower processing speed, headaches and fatigue. These symptoms are very similar to symptoms relating to eye coordination disorders (which we often see in patients who have suffered a head injury). We have known for years that concussions cause vision problems, and these are some of the types of vision problems that we specialize in treating to help children get back on track with their academics after a concussion.

Signs of Post Trauma Vision Syndrome

It is vital that parents and educators know the signs and symptoms of vision problems that block learning as a result of a concussion. Just one of these symptoms could mean that your child is struggling with post trauma vision syndrome.

Double vision
Headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness or nausea
Light sensitivity
Attention or concentration difficulties
Staring behavior (low blink rate)
Spatial disorientation

Losing place when reading
Can’t find beginning of next line when reading
Comprehension problems when reading
Visual memory problems
Pulls away from objects when they are brought close to them
Exotropia or high exophoria
Difficulty shifting focus from near to far
Words move or blur when reading
Objects appear to move

Unstable peripheral vision
Difficulties with balance, coordination and posture
Perceived movement of stationary objects
Consistently stays to one side of hallway or room
Bumps into objects when walking
Poor walking or posture: leans back on heels, forward, or to one side when walking, standing or seated in a chair
Perception of the floor being tilted